CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 4
determine their own future. The vast majority of the dependent territories for which the United Kingdom was previously responsible have chosen, and now enjoy, independence. A small number, however, prefer to remain in close association with the United Kingdom, although they are able to modify their choice at any time.
17.
As regards paragraph 3 of article 1, the United Kingdom's support for the right of self-determination is well known. The United Kingdom regularly supports resolutions in United Nations bodies calling for the realization of that right.
18.
The right to self-determination in the United Kingdom itself is exercised primarily through the electoral system. British citizens and citizens of other Commonwealth countries, together with citizens of the Republic of Ireland, are entitled to vote at Parliamentary elections provided they are aged 18 or over, resident in the United Kingdom and not subject to any legal incapacity to vote; most British citizens living abroad are also eligible to register as electors.
19.
The British system of parliamentary government is sustained by an electorate casting its votes in free and secret ballots at periodic elections which offer a choice between rival candidates, usually representing organized political parties of different views. A general election, for all seats in the House of Commons, takes place at least every five years, but a Parliament may be, and often is, dissolved by the Sovereign, acting on the Prime Minister's advice, before the end of the full legal term.
20. Referendums have been held on Scottish and Welsh devolution, and on membership of the European Economic Community. Whether the people of Northern Ireland wished to remain in the United Kingdom was tested in a Border Poll in 1973 with a positive result. All elections in Northern Ireland continue to produce an overall majority of the electorate voting for Unionist policies, i.e. continuing as part of the United Kingdom.
Article 2
Ethnic minorities
21.
In Great Britain, the ethnic minority population numbers some 2,500,000 which is 4.5 per cent of the total population. The main ethnic groups are as follows:
22.
West Indian/Guyanese
African
Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi Chinese
520,000
100,000
740,000
400,000
110,000
120,000
The preceding figures are based on the results of the three Labour Force Surveys made between 1985 and 1987. These are voluntary, sample surveys of persons in private households throughout the United Kingdom and, with the exception of Northern Ireland where the ethnic minority population is very small, include a direct question on ethnic origin. The surveys cover one in 350 of private households and result in some 150,000 individuals being
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